SHELBURNE, Vt. (WCAX) – Shelburne’s one and only garden center is taking root on Shelburne Road.
Gardener’s Supply Company is bringing it to life.
“We wanted to try something new, you know? Expand a little bit, be in a market where people know us,” Gardener’s Supply Retail Operations Manager Pat Pearsall said.
The new garden center will be smaller than Williston and Burlington centers, with several compact structures like a nursery and greenhouse covering just under 6,500 square feet. Open from April to December, the center will focus on potted plants with some gardening tools, plus Christmas trees and other seasonal plants come wintertime.
Pearsall says he’s excited to transform the lot, which sat empty for years after Sirloin Saloon closed in 2008.
“We’re pretty excited about fixing up this blighted property,” Pearsall explained. “The town of Shelburne has been great and a great partner through this. I think they want to see something here.”
The site will include around 55 parking spaces, a pedestrian walkway off Route 7 with bicycle parking and a rain garden out front. And though plants are the priority, Morgan Brook Farm food truck, which served food on the site last summer, will have a spot by the building for garden-side eating.
“It’s a convenient location, but with the food truck and the plant experience, we think people are going to come in and stay longer,” Pearsall said.
Locals, who currently have to drive outside of Shelburne to buy plants, say they’re psyched for the business.
“With three kids and the dog and everything else, you know, getting there and getting back is pretty important to me. So having somewhere down the street is great,” Christian Pulcini of Shelburne said. His neighbor, Suki Flash, added, “It’s great I don’t have to go to Williston which is a lot of traffic and a pain in the butt.”
Red Wagon Plants in Hinesburg, a popular choice for Shelburne gardeners, says they don’t see the new business as competition.
“They buy our plants wholesale, and so I think more plants is just better for everyone and easier access to plants is always a good thing,” Red Wagon’s Lily Belisle said.
Businesses along Route 7 hope the center boosts foot traffic throughout Shelburne road.
“It’s a very good opportunity for everyone, like Route 7,” Gaurav Cheuhan with Route 7 Liquor & Deli said. “If they’re doing very well, it’s best for everyone.”
Gardener’s Supply says they hope to open the Shelburne center in time for Mother’s Day.
